A MODERN health and fitness suite has opened at Howe Bridge Leisure Centre as part of the £2.9m transformation of the site.

Customers can now take advantage of a new 80-station gym, sauna and steam room, indoor cycling studio, studio for group exercise classes and new changing rooms.

Cllr Paul Kenny, the council’s Cabinet member for Leisure, said: “This is another important step in the journey to develop the Howe Bridge in to a first rate leisure centre for residents. This is a significant project for the council as we work to provide high quality facilities to encourage people to get more active and healthy as part of The Deal.”

As part of the first phase of improvements, the centre’s reception area has also been modernised and a new catering offer, The Subs Bench, has opened for business.

Mayor of Wigan Borough, Cllr Susan Loudon, said: “These new facilities look absolutely fantastic and it’s great to see the new-look centre taking shape. Residents of Howe Bridge and the surrounding area should be extremely proud that they have this centre on their doorstep and I look forward to seeing the next phase coming to life.”

The latest development follows the opening of the 3G FIFA 2 star pitch last month. Next to come is a range of innovative leisure products including adventure climbing, Indoor Extreme Skate Park and adventure play facilities.

Pete Burt, Managing Director of WLCT, which manages the site on behalf of Wigan Council, said: “Howe Bridge is set to become a real hub of activity for people of all ages looking to keep active while having fun.”

Wigan Council has invested £2.4m in to the project whilst leisure partner WLCT secured an additional £500,000 from the National Lottery’s Sport England Improvement Fund.

The building is being renovated in partnership with specialist development partner Alliance Leisure and international construction services company ISG.

The full scheme is due to be completed by November this year.